Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
Every family and each Arizonan should be able to afford health coverage, regardless of their zip code or income. Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans have helped make this a reality for many.
However, Congress must take action now to preserve the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC’s) that make ACA plans affordable. Without immediate Congressional action, the tax credits will end, and low- and middle- income families with marketplace plans will quickly see skyrocketing health care premiums, forcing many to lose their health care.
In 2025, a record number of Arizonans, nearly 425,000, purchased health care through the ACA marketplace. Nearly 93% of enrollees also utilize premium tax credits, which make health care insurance more affordable. This includes many who are self-employed or own small businesses.
It’s important to understand the hit to a family’s budget if Congress fails to preserve these tax credits. Without the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, a family of four making $95,000 will see their annual premiums for a benchmark plan increase from $5,795 to $8,218. That is an increase of over $200 per month! Families cannot afford that type of increase.
Earlier this year, Congress made harmful changes and cuts in their 2025 budget reconciliation bill, formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, forcing insurers to increase premiums in anticipation of expected increases in uncompensated care.
The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions projects the cost for Arizona marketplace plans will increase 2.5% to 55% for 2026.
No one should have to forgo medical treatment or take on medical debt because they cannot afford health insurance. Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are essential because they reduce those hard decisions that families and small business owners must make. With this option, a parent could afford both groceries and health care, a child can see a doctor when they’re sick, and a small business owner can stay insured without going broke.
Congress took care of our country’s highest earners with large tax cuts earlier this year. Congress should end the year by supporting the rest of us.
Ask Congress to act now to make the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits permanent to protect health care for Arizonans!
